On the Brink of Greatness

What do you do when you’re afraid of something good?

That’s a pretty loaded question isn’t it? Because why would you be afraid of something good, but deep down I think its something we all struggle with, even if it’s only a little bit. It’s also weird because if you say yes there’s a slight tinge of guilt for simply having something good but not being sure how to deal with it because you’re afraid.

Last Sunday at church, Shoreline Dallas, Pastor Earl was bringing the word per usual and he said something that really stuck out to me. He said, “Even knowing you’re called can be terrifying.” Then he went onto say that you may feel it in your gut that you’re not here to simply exist, you’re here to do something, something big.

So I’m sitting there like gosh that’s me. I know for 100% fact that I’m here for a purpose, because if I wasn’t I would have died when I was 5 and in a life altering car wreck, or probably even countless other times. The thing is that even though I know for sure, deep in my gut, I’m still scared.

Literally today, 7/09/15, I was offered 3 jobs and they’re all awesome jobs but each one is very different. I’ve been praying and praying and praying for months that my moment would come, I just didn’t expect it to be with so many doors and options. So while this is phenomenal and a total answer to my prayers for the last 7 months, IT’S TERRIFYING. And not like the there’s-a-ghost-behind-that-door terrifying but the kind where you’re jumping out of an airplane to skydive and the chord to your parachute won’t release even though you keep tugging at it in desperation.

I feel sort of awful for saying that because there are people struggling with problems such as the loss of a loved one, job, sickness or any number of things, but I feel that we truly forget that God sees every struggle as the same. He cares about each of us more than himself. Whether it’s being afraid of your big break or being broken, he cares.

But, that still raises the question, what do you do when you’re afraid of something good?

This is the answer; you do exactly what you would do if you were afraid of something bad! That’s so crazy right?! You give everything to God, literally every thing; your fear, your feelings of inadequacy, your what-ifs, your failures, ALL OF IT.

Joshua 1:9 (ESV)

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

I like that this scripture says, “Wherever you go” because wherever is an all-encompassing word; it could mean from the top of your mountain to the bottom of your sea. I LOVE THAT. So not only does it mean God is with you in the bad fear it means he’s also with you in the good fear. That’s crazy, good fear? Good fear is like getting cold feet on your wedding day, or feeling like you’re going to puke on everyone while giving the biggest performance of your life. It’s good because you know you’re on the brink of greatness, but that’s what’s terrifying. Some times the fear can be good.

Ok, so put yourself in one of those situations, the kind that’s good but scary. What would you tell yourself to do? I know for myself, having suffered from depression and anxiety for a number of years, I would sit down and take a series of deep breaths. I would rest, I would calm down, and I would be still.

All of those sound quite similar, but they’re quite different, however different the concepts may be the overall idea is simple, we need to rest in God. We need to rest in him, IN EVERY SITUATION.

Exodus 33:14 (ESV)

“And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

I just love that God doesn’t discriminate against our issues; he welcomes us all with open arms. I also think that it’s extremely important to realize that he cares just as much about a small scrape as he does the loss of a limb. I’ve said it before, give it all to God. With him in charge, every single failure has a purpose!

I love you all, and I hope you have an amazing week. Whether you’re facing something good or bad, your fear is unnecessary, give it to God. You’re worth it.